Nagra HD DAC

Manufactured from 2014 to 2018

The HD DAC is the purist interface from the digital world to pure audio excellence. The no-compromise definition reproduces the original sound with total integrity.
Its state-of-the-art design concept, linked with high resolution DSD features are married with the Swiss know-how from the professional domain.

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Conversion

The HD DAC is designed to convert a digital signal to analog with total integrity, without introducing the slightest impurity or coloration to the original sound. This objective has been achieved with perfection, and sound has never reached such a true level of definition.

The effort put into the design and exactitude of the Nagra HD DAC was exceptional from every perspective, as for its circuits, that adopt the DSD 2X (Direct Stream Digital 128). They run at the highest resolution available today, 128 times that of a standard CD and twice that of SACD.

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Analog section

The analog section is also the object of a superlative approach. Thanks to the quality of the signals supplied from the digital conversion circuits, the traditional steep slope filters have been totally eliminated. The consequence of this is the preservation of transients and harmonics, thus the music presents an exceptionally natural sound. Some of the critical design elements include Ultra high performance drivers, hand-wound transformers, and a tube driven output stage.

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Power supplies

There are 25 precision ultra-low-noise internal power supplies that drive the unit, giving each element its own independent and pure supply source. The Nagra HD DAC converter uses TWO stand-alone external power supplies, one for the digital section and the other for the analog, keeping the two parts independently isolated. It can be paired up with the Nagra MPS multiple supply unit allowing it to reach its ultimate performance.

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Connectivity

The HD DAC is equipped with extensive connection possibilities, allowing integration in all types of domestic and professional systems. It is particularly suited to computer environments thanks to its audio USB input, through which it receives signals up to the DSD 128 format from a PC or MAC.

Technical specification

ELECTRONICS

Internal processing:	5,6 MHz, 72 bits
Compatible digital formats:	PCM 24 bits up to 384 kHz, DXD, DSD x 2
Bandwidth:	5Hz to 40 kHz (+0 – 3dB)
Noise level:	-128 dBr (linear)
Interchannel phase:	<0.5° at 20 kHz
Noise level:	-128 dBr (linear)
Distortion:	< 0.02% (at -20dBFS)

CONNECTIONS

Digital inputs:	2 x S/DIF, 2 AES/EBU, 1 Optical, 1 Audio USB (mode 2), 1 x I2S (Nagra format)
Outputs:	1 stereo on RCA connectors, 1 stereo XLR (Symmetrical on transformers available as an option)

GENERAL

Dimensions:

280 x 350 x 76mm (12 x 13.7 x 3 inches)

DOWNLOADS

User manual: English

Brochures: English / French

Softwares: HD DAC

Accessories

Classic VFS for Source: Vibration Free Support
Classic PSU or MPS: Multiple Power Supply
ACPS III : Single power supply

Reviews

HD DAC hifi & records 2016
Hifilive Spain
HiFi+ UK
Stereo Sound Japan
Haute Fidélité
6moons follow-up on the HD DAC
Stereoplay
Handelszeitung 2014
6moons
HIFIstatement